Want Fresh Rosemary At Home? Here’s How To Grow It In Water

Supplies Needed For Growing Rosemary In Water

To successfully grow rosemary in water, gather the following supplies:

• Healthy Rosemary Cuttings – Choose fresh, green stems from a mature plant.
• Sharp Scissors or Pruners – For clean and precise cuts.
• A Glass or Jar of Water – Use filtered or room-temperature water.
• A Warm, Bright Spot – Indirect sunlight works best for root development.
• Optional: Rooting Hormone – Helps speed up the rooting process (but not necessary).

With these supplies, you’re ready to start growing rosemary in water.

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How To Grow Rosemary In Water

We spoke with Swaminathan, a local gardener from a nursery in Dwarka, who shared a simple step-by-step guide on how to grow rosemary in water.

Step 1: Choose Healthy Rosemary Cuttings

• Select fresh, green, and non-flowering stems from a mature rosemary plant.
• The best cuttings should be about 4 to 6 inches long with plenty of leaves.
• Avoid woody stems, as they take longer to root.

Step 2: Prepare the Cuttings

• Using sharp scissors or pruners, make a clean cut just below a leaf node (the point where leaves emerge from the stem).
• Remove the lower leaves from the bottom 2 inches of the cutting. This prevents rot and allows roots to grow freely.
• If available, dip the cut end in rooting hormone to encourage faster root development (optional).

Step 3: Place Cuttings in Water

• Fill a clean glass or jar with room-temperature filtered water (chlorinated tap water can slow rooting).
• Submerge the bottom part of the stem (about 1-2 inches) in the water, ensuring that the leaves stay above the surface.
• Use a clear jar to easily monitor root growth.

Step 4: Provide the Right Growing Conditions

• Place the jar in a warm, bright location with indirect sunlight (such as near a kitchen window).
• Avoid direct sunlight, which can cause overheating and slow root development.
• Keep the temperature between 65-75°F (18-24°C) for the best growth.

Step 5: Change the Water Regularly

• Replace the water every 2-3 days to keep it fresh and prevent bacteria or mold from forming.
• Always use room-temperature water to avoid shocking the cuttings.

Step 6: Monitor Root Growth

• In 2-4 weeks, you should see tiny white roots emerging from the cuttings.
• Be patient—some cuttings may take longer to root depending on conditions.

Step 7: Transplanting the Rooted Cuttings (Optional)

• Once the roots reach about 2-3 inches long, you can transfer them to soil for continued growth.
• Choose a well-draining potting mix and plant the cutting in a small pot with drainage holes.
• Keep the soil slightly moist for the first few weeks to help the plant adjust.